Telangana DCA issues notices to 43 medical shops over weight-loss drug sales

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued show-cause notices to 43 medical shops for the illegal sale and misuse of weight-loss drugs, including Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. A special drive across the state on Friday targeted spurious and counterfeit versions of drugs containing Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, and checked compliance with sale rules.

Violations found included selling prescription medicines without specialist prescriptions, failing to issue bills, not maintaining sales and purchase records, and dispensing drugs in the absence of a registered pharmacist. The DCA said action would follow under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Separately, the Hyderabad City Police Task Force arrested three men and seized 110 vials of Mephentermine Sulphate and 25 syringes worth about Rs 6 lakh in Falaknuma. The accused allegedly procured the drug via an online marketplace and sold it illegally. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.